Imaging modalities and physics: computed radiography: practice question

A Radiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Radiology · Imaging modalities and physics: computed radiography

Sample item

A hospital replaces film cassettes with reusable cassettes holding an imaging plate. After exposure the plate is scanned by a laser reader, which releases stored light that is converted into a digital image. Which technology is this?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Computed radiography using a photostimulable phosphor plate

In computed radiography the X-ray energy is stored in a photostimulable phosphor, and laser stimulation releases it as light that is digitised. The cassette must be carried to a separate reader. Flat panel detectors, by contrast, produce the digital image directly without a reader step.

Option by option

  • A. Image intensifier fluoroscopy

    An image intensifier produces a real-time optical image for fluoroscopy and has no plate or reader.

  • B. Direct digital radiography using an amorphous selenium flat panel

    A flat panel is built into the unit and gives the image without a separate laser reader.

  • C. Screen-film radiography with a rare-earth screen

    Screen-film systems need chemical processing and give no digital signal.

  • D. Computed radiography using a photostimulable phosphor plate (correct)

    Correct. Laser readout of a stored-energy phosphor plate defines computed radiography.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is D, Computed radiography using a photostimulable phosphor plate. In computed radiography the X-ray energy is stored in a photostimulable phosphor, and laser stimulation releases it as light that is digitised.

Why is "Image intensifier fluoroscopy" not the answer?

An image intensifier produces a real-time optical image for fluoroscopy and has no plate or reader.

Why is "Direct digital radiography using an amorphous selenium flat panel" not the answer?

A flat panel is built into the unit and gives the image without a separate laser reader.

Why is "Screen-film radiography with a rare-earth screen" not the answer?

Screen-film systems need chemical processing and give no digital signal.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Imaging modalities and physics: computed radiography in Radiology. The cassette must be carried to a separate reader. Flat panel detectors, by contrast, produce the digital image directly without a reader step.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Imaging modalities and physics: computed radiography?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.